Yet he is not known to like talking much about himself. He usually barks a laugh and changes the subject discreetly when you ask him direct questions about himself. 

Even though the North West Star sales manager is retiring after 19 years working for the paper – more than six times longer than any of the journalists -  it is a surprise that he has agreed to any interview with such little efforts of procrastination. 

“I have never been short about coming forward and stating my views on things,” Mr Baldwin said. 

“But that’s also backed by a lot of experience, and that’s probably why.” 

Mr Baldwin moved to Mount Isa with his partner Jane in 1998, having come from the Fraser Coast Chronicle to work as a sales manager. Their aim was to stay for three years. Eight years later the general manager, Jim Nichols, retired. Mr Baldwin was appointed into his role in 2006. 

Mr Baldwin grew up in Chinchilla and had also worked at the Warwick Daily News. These towns influenced his love for rodeos. 

So it was natural that when he moved to Mount Isa he would become involved in the city’s major event. Mr Baldwin worked hard in Rotary for years but often seen to be the man selling Toyota raffle tickets in Simpson Street in the months leading up to rodeo. 

During weekends the journalists would also observe Mr Baldwin at the office maintaining the lawn and completing odd jobs, sometimes not long after he sold raffle tickets at the Mount Isa Shopping Village. “It’s not a 9 to 5 job,” he explained, and when pressed further, he said, “It could be, but it’s not. I like to be involved.” 

He liked to be involved in the community. Mr Baldwin was well recognised by local business representatives. 

“Wherever you go, sometimes it is in a shopping centre or a local bar, there is always someone that will give their opinion on what you printed yesterday,” Mr Baldwin said. 

“They want to know what happens locally. It’s always been a bit of a conundrum. Parts of the community are focused on what’s happening locally, and parts want to know what’s happening nationally but how that affects them locally.

“In the main the local community paper is the voice of the local people.” 

Peter and Jane move to Victoria, to be closer to her elderly parents in Mildura. Yet it does not sound like Mr Baldwin is in a hurry to choose an AFL team to barrack for. “I will be an ex-Queenslander living in Victoria,” he said by way of explanation. 

His last day at The North West Star will be on the Friday of the rodeo. 

“In a lot of ways I will be sad to be going but I will be excited to move into a whole new chapter of my life,” Mr Baldwin said.  

Malouf Auto Group owner Tom Malouf has had business dealings with Mr Baldwin for a long time. 

“We have had many drinks together over the years,” Mr Malouf said. “But I better not get into that. 

“He is a great guy. We never had any problems.

“He is one of the guys who works extra hard for Rotary.” 

Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo president Darren Campi said the service club would miss Mr Baldwin’s contributions. 

“Peter was a very good Rotarian and a big part of the club for many years.

“He was very loyal. He was a guy I could consider one of my closest friends now, working with Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Inc. He was always there. He always helped you out.”